Syrah du Monde

INTERNATIONAL PLAUDITS FOR ROBERTSON VALLEY SHIRAZ

Member producers bring home two of South Africa’s five goldsBy Myrna Robins

Confirming the admirable and consistently high quality of shiraz flowing from the cellars of Robertson Wine Valley producers, Bon Courage and Robertson Wines have added gold to their stock of previous medals awarded at international shiraz contests.

Results of the 2017 Syrah du Monde, recently released, saw Bon Courage estate scoop gold for their Inkara shiraz 2014 and Robertson Winery bring home gold for their Constitution Road 2013 shiraz. Robertson Winery was also awarded silver for the 2012 vintage of their Constitution Road shiraz at the same contest, one of 10 silver medals conferred on South African wine producers this year.

Jacques Bruwer of Bon Courage introduced the Inkara range of terroir-driven wines in 2001, deriving its name from those of his three children. The three reds in the range and the shiraz in particular have established reputations locally and abroad as finely crafted wines, with the 2014 shiraz presenting full-bodied complexity with berry flavours complemented by chocolate and coffee notes. Characteristic pepper and sweet spice can be detected in the silky texture in this wine which offers immediate enjoyment but can be cellared for another three to four years. Grapes for the Robertson Constitution Road shiraz were sourced from Wolfkloof farm. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in new oak before being aged for 36 months in barrel. Offering hues of deep purple, aromas of plum and black berry precede voluptuous flavours of dark fruit enriched with wafts of spice and dark chocolate. Offering much pleasure now, but can be kept for up to 10 years.

Both these winners will make excellent partners to a range of robust red meat dishes, including casseroles, roasts, potjie and braai fare. Beef, lamb and game will all be enhanced with a glass or more of fine Robertson shiraz – both in the pot and the glass.

Judging for the 2017 Syrah du Monde was held at Chateau Ampuis in France, where 372 entries from 26 countries were tasted and scored. A total of 123 medals were awarded: 33 gold and 90 silver. South Africa and Australia occupy the first two places in the world’s best syrahs, a pleasing position that places our producers up there where they belong – right at the top.